George is British and looks and sound British but grew up in France and has lived abroad for a long time now. This is his sixth year here at Dwight School Seoul, and before that he worked in other IB schools in China and Saudi Arabia.
1. What is your role at Dwight School Seoul?
I teach a few subjects here: Psychology and Theory of Knowledge to the DP students, and Individuals & Societies to the grade 9s and 10s. I’m also the Model United Nations Coordinator.
2. What made you decide to work in an education setting? And what is your philosophy?
I was almost born to be a teacher. Both my parents are English Literature teachers and my grandparents were also teachers. I believe that teachers are here to guide students to learn for themselves, and that if I do my job properly students will want to learn and then can teach me in return.
3. What do you like the most about working at DSS?
It sounds a bit like a cliche but the students are genuinely great and a pleasure to teach.
4. What are your interests and or hobbies?
Part of the joy of living abroad is being able to travel and explore new places and cultures. My wife and I have just got back from Hanoi and we both loved just walking around, getting lost in the streets, and trying all the different food there.
5. Who inspires you and how?
My wife, Beth Overby, inspires me to be a better person, and to be more social and outgoing. The staff here inspire me to be a better teacher.
6. What is the best book or production that you have read, watched, or listened to lately?
Everyone who loves history and good writing should read Hamnet, by Maggie O’Farrell. This is the story of Shakespeare’s wife and family and how they lost their son to the plague. It’s a beautifully crafted story and one which chooses to not focus on the more famous character, Shakespeare.
7. What global challenge would you like to see tackled and how do you see yourself
contributing to the positive change that you desire? Or, what one particular social issue
calls out to you and why? How do you see yourself contributing to making an
impact/being the solution?
The most important challenge is Climate Change. This is such a heavy topic that people get stressed out just thinking about it, but it needs our full attention. It’s going to be up to the new generations to effect change and luckily I get to see students getting involved and preparing to be future leaders through my work with the Model United Nations club. Watching our students debate important topics and try to find compromises and solutions gives me hope.
8. If you were given one wish, what would it be?
If I could have one wish it would be to be able to play any musical instrument. I’m always very envious watching our students play music so well at such a young age. Lucky them.
9. Why would you tell a prospective family to choose DSS?
Dwight is a great community where teachers and students work well together and support each other.